Roden hopes hang in the balance

Roughyeds chief executive Chris Hamilton welcomes two of their recent signings, Chris Clarke and Ben Heaton (right).

ROUGHYEDS stand-off Neil Roden has been included in the club’s provisional 19-man squad for the National League Two Grand Final against Doncaster.

The 28-year-old came off in the early stages of last week’s 38-14 win over Rochdale at Boundary Park with a pulled hamstring and has been having treatment on it this week in a bid to get him ready for the promotion decider at Warrington.

His chances of making the game are still in the balance, though. Coach Steve Deakin spoke earlier in the week of his reluctance to risk any player who is not at full fitness and at the same time, there are a number of other options available to fill the position.

Ian Hodson could step in as a direct replacement at number six, as could Phil Joseph and Rob Roberts. Alternatively, Matty Brooks could start at scrum-half with James Coyle taking on the Roden role.

The exact make-up of the squad is being kept under wraps and final decisions on the team will only be made on Sunday.

The club is asking fans to buy tickets for the Grand Final in big numbers, in order to give the players a big boost on the pitch. The office on Lansdowne Road is open until 7pm tonight and tomorrow to give fans every opportunity to be there in person at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

“We are pleased with the way tickets are selling but there are plenty more rugby league fans in Oldham who we would like to come and support us,” said Roughyeds chief executive Chris Hamilton, a studio guest on BBC Radio Manchester’s Rugby League Hour from 7pm tonight.

“We are hoping to finish the season in style and it would be great to do so in front of a big following.”

Meanwhile, two more reserve team players have signed two-year deals to turn professional with the Roughyeds from next season.

Ben Heaton, a full-back who can also turn out at hooker, is from Rochdale and has been playing in the amateur game with Mayfield, while Mark Smith, from Warrington, is a BARLA under-18s international centre or loose forward whose amateur affiliations were with Latchford Albion. Both are 18 years old.

The twin signings join Scott Mansfield and Chris Clarke as players from last season’s reserves who have elected to turn pro with Oldham. The club is also waiting to hear back from another two who have been offered deals.